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Phyllis G. Opgaard, 81, of Miller and formerly of Washington, passed away Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at Good Samaritan Society in Miller.

Celebration of Phyllis’ Life will be 1:00p.m., September 2, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Miller, S.D.

Phyllis was born Phyllis Glee Leagjeld March 10, 1936 in Long Prairie, MN to Louis and Eva Leagjeld. Phyllis married Carleton Opgaard on June 15, 1957 and they lived most of their life in the Pacific Northwest.

Phyllis loved to cook, sew, and spend time with her family and many friends. Her hand-crafted Teddy Bears, Raggedy Ann’s and Andy’s, and many other stuffed dolls have been enjoyed by children around the world. Phyllis especially enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Phyllis is survived by her children Cheryl (Andy) Sauer, Jane Opgaard (Rob Turner), Jill (Dale) Simpson, and John Opgaard (Marcie Pell); grandchildren Kevin (Elizabeth) and Chris (Jessica) Wendt, Nathan and Matthew Sauer, Lucas and Joey Simpson, Sterling and Carlisle Turner, Lily Opgaard, and Nathan Pell; greatgrandchildren Elliot and Davitt Wendt (Kevin’s) and Christian Wendt (Chris’s); brothers Louis and David Leagjeld; sisters Karen Ward and Diane Zastrow; numerous nieces and nephews; and countless friends.

Memorial gifts can be made in Phyllis’s name to the Phyllis and Carleton Opgaard First Generation Endowment, Tacoma Community College Foundation, 6501 S 19th St, Building 6, Tacoma, WA 98466 or the DSU Women’s Club/Phyllis Opgaard Endowment, Dakota State University Foundation, 820 N Washington Ave, Madison, SD 57042.

Reck Funeral Home of Miller has been entrusted with Phyllis’ arrangements.

Visit www.familyfuneralhome.net



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